The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has reopened the Chin Shwe Haw border gate in Laukkai Township, Shan State, after negotiations with the military council, according to local sources.
Starting from 11 March, the MNDAA reopened the Chin Shwe Haw border trade crossing between Myanmar and China in Laukkai Township after the fourth round of talks with the military council in Kunming, China, according to Chin Shwe Haw residents.
A local man from Chin Shwe Haw said, “The gate was reopened just yesterday (11 March). The gate is also manned by immigration authorities from the Myanmar side. We were told that we can enter only after (the border pass) is stamped. People from the Myanmar side are not allowed to enter yet. But people from China are coming in. There must be some reason for this but I don’t know what it is.”
The MNDAA had taken control of the border town of Chin Shwe Haw since the start of “Operation 1027” on 27 October 2023.
After more than four months, the Kokang army has now reopened the border gate, which locals say could be to mark the 35th anniversary of the Kokang army’s founding.
“It’s the same old book. Myanmar staff are also stationed there too. The Bamar and Kokang are working together, but I don’t know by what percentage they are operating ,” added the man from Chin Shwe Haw.
MNDAA spokesperson Li Kyarwen confirmed that in areas under their control along the Myanmar-China border, they reopened the Wantein border gate in Pang Hseng (Kyukoke) town in Muse Township and the Chin Shwe Haw gate in Laukkai on 11 March.
“They informed that the border gate was reopened on 11 March. Those with border passes can now travel back and forth, they say. But for now , it’s still the old book. Since it just reopened, we don’t know anything specific about the operations yet,” said MNDAA spokesperson Li Kyarwen.
During the fourth round of talks in Kunming from 29 February to 1 March arranged by China, the military council and three ethnic armed groups reportedly reached a “Haigen Agreement” whereby clashes must cease in northern Shan State, China-Myanmar trade routes will reopen, and border stability will be maintained.
After the talks, it was reported that while the military council would oversee customs and immigration at the Chin Shwe Haw border gate, the MNDAA would jointly take responsibility and receive 70% of the tax revenue collected on behalf of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, with the military council receiving 30%. However, neither side has officially confirmed this.
On 27 February, the MNDAA also handed over 108 illegal Chinese nationals involved in online gambling operations detained in Laukkai, along with related equipment, to Chinese police at the Yan Long Keng border gate, the Kokang media reported.
Sent by Shan News